Chittenango High School staging ‘The Sound of Music’

Sophie Cowburn, along with fellow cast members, rehearses a scene from the Chittenango Drama Club’s production of “The Sound of Music” on Saturday, March 29, 2014 in Chittenango.
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Tyler Lewis and Sophie Cowburn rehearse a scene from the Chittenango Drama Club’s production of “The Sound of Music” on Saturday, March 29, 2014 in Chittenango.
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CHITTENANGO >> Chittenago High School is staging “The Sound of Music” on April 3,4 and 5; bringing the hills of Austria to the community along with the music of the von Trapp family.

Seniors Tyler Lewis and Jadin Nourse will alternate shows playing Capt. von Trapp, the father and Austrian patriot. In many ways, “The Sound of Music” is about the transformation of von Trapp as Maria, portrayed by junior Kaleigh Johnson and Senior Sophie Cowburn, brings music back into his home and among his children.

“I think von Trapp is a relatable character,” Lewis said. “He’s patriotic and has a lot of love for his homeland.”

Lewis said he likes the determination of his character, that he would face down the Nazis and refuse to serve in their navy.

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“I like how the music really brings everything together,” said eighth grader Chase Gordon, who plays 10-year-old Kurt von Trapp. “My character is a big part of that music. I like how energetic and strong-willed he is.”

Without the help of Maria, who comes to the family from a nearby abbey, the von Trapps may have never left the strict military lifestyle imparted by their stern father.

“I like how Maria is not afraid to be herself, and how she just accepts people for how they are,” Johnson said. “She follows her dreams, even when they change. She has a line where she says ‘you have to look for your life,’ and, she really shows it by going from someone who has given themselves to God, to someone who can love Capt. von Trapp. She struggles and is realistic.”

Johnson said that her favorite scene is Mother Abbess’ number “Climb Every Mountain,” which is the source of a lot of Maria’s courage.

“Everyone should come see the show because there are a lot of great performers from all age groups,” Cowburn said.

“This isn’t going to just be your average, high school production of ‘the Sound of Music’,” Johnson said. “We have a lot of talented students this year. It’s going to be great.”

“When we’re on stage, everyone will see how much work we’ve put into this,” Lewis said. “Anyone there won’t be disappointed.”

Chittenango will present “The Sound of Music” in the High School auditorium on April 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. and April 5 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., with alternating leads every other performance. Tickets will be available for $8 at the door for all showings.

About the Author

Until December, 2014, Nick will was a staff writer at the Oneida Daily Dispatch. Hailing from Madison. Nick is a 2012 SUNY Plattsburgh graduate. In his time at The Dispatch, he focused on education, history and community events coverage in Madison and Southern Oneida counties. Reach the author at nwill@oneidadispatch.com
or follow Nick on Twitter: @DispatchNick.